Stormwater management is a way of reducing rainwater or melted snow runoff into lawns, streets, and other places. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stormwater management systems improve water quality. Stormwater management is, therefore, helpful in developed and urban areas with impervious surfaces like pavements that prevent water from soaking into the ground.
When rainwater hits a ground that is saturated with water, it runs into road ditches and storm sewers. However, when stormwater gets absorbed into the ground, it’s filtered and then flows into rivers and other streams.
So, what are unique qualities of a good stormwater management program or system?
1. Easy to operate and maintain
A good stormwater management system needs to be easy to operate and maintain. Regular maintenance improves site drainage, extends the life of the system and ensures the system is cost-effective. Both private organizations and governments should be responsible for the operation and maintenance of their stormwater management systems.
2. Effective in reducing floods
As the population of most urban centers increase, more development takes place. This leads to more rooftops which continuously produce large amounts of runoff. A good stormwater management system should help protect the environment by reducing the effect of floods. This will, in turn, protect people’s property, create healthy rivers and streams. It will also offer environmental, social and economic benefits to urban residents.
3. Effective pollution control
Railroad yards, gas stations, high-use parking lots and freight-loading areas are some of the major sources of runoff pollution. A specialized means for the collection and pretreatment of this runoff is thus required, especially if chemicals and fuel spill into these runoffs. A good stormwater management system should come handy in such situations to separate water and oil and put other related pollutants in check.
3. Overcoming drought
Stormwater management systems are crucial in protecting the environment and water supply in general. Although stormwater can sometimes be a nuisance, the water collected can be very important during times of drought. Hence, a good stormwater system should capture a lot of runoffs that can be used in the future, when there is no water.
Stormwater management systems can be a cost-efficient and viable way of harvesting water for later use. This establishes a more natural water cycle. Therefore, it’s important for stormwater to be managed since it reduces the detrimental impacts that most urban areas experience. But a stormwater management program should not just be put in place for the sake of it; instead, it should fulfill its purpose. The above highlighted are some of the important criteria or aspects that a good storm water management system should meet.
